For the last 20 years, Tigard-based Edge One Media has developed custom solutions in marketing, graphic design, branding, and advertising for businesses throughout the country. 

Nicholas De Salvo, the CEO and founder of Edge One Media, visited the podcast studio to share personal and professional insights from the last 20 years, including:

• The real story of what it's like to run a marathon
• Mt. Rushmore of Portland Trailblazers
• How Edge One made it to the Super Bowl
• The importance of giving back to local non-profits

Also, he talks about his role with the Tigard Downtown Alliance and their work to make Downtown Tigard a destination. 

For Your Playlist: 'If I Had a Million Dollars' by the Barenaked Ladies 

Tualatin Riverkeepers is a community-based organization that protects and restores the Tualatin River watershed. They build watershed stewardship through engagement, advocacy, restoration, access, and education.

On this episode, Executive Director Glenn Fee talks about the Tualatin Riverkeepers' role in transforming the Tualatin River watershed into a place to paddle, swim, and hike. You'll learn about opportunities to experience the Tualatin River firsthand through guided river trips and canoe, kayak, and paddleboard rentals at Cook Park. You'll also hear about the Riverkeepers' commitment to equitable river access, including a new boat launch at Cook Park.

For Your Playlist: 'Rolling on the River' by Creedance Clearwater

In 2021, the City of Tigard and Micro Enterprise Services of Oregon (MESO) launched the Opportunity Cafe, a business incubator providing an entrepreneur critical ingredients like space and advising. Israel Martinez was the first entrepreneur to launch a business (El Cuadrilatero) at the Opportunity Café. 

On this episode, MESO leaders Jataune Hall, Joshua Jacobs, and Shikha Goel discuss the success of El Cuadrilatero and where Israel's venture will head next. The trio looks ahead by discussing the recruitment process for the next entrepreneur at the Opportunity Cafe. This includes tips for navigating the process and the critical skills needed to succeed in this space. 

For Your Playlist: 'Groove is in the heart' by Deee-Lite

Since 1959, St. Vincent de Paul has been serving those in need through a food pantry, community cafe, and rent and utility assistance. 

On this epsiode, two of their leaders Diane Bohan and Julie Le discuss the challenge of meeting a growing demand for services with a shrinking pool of volunteers. In the last six months, the group has met the 50% increase for food boxes by distributing 190,000 lbs. of food. In order to continue to meet this need, Diane and Julie need your help. They share the various ways from volunteering to donating that you can positively impact the community.

For Your Playlist: 'Let It Be Me'

Tigard community member Carrie Tillotson is the author of Counting to Bananas, a 2023 Oregon Book Award finalist. Her book is featured in the May 2023 Story Walk behind the Tigard Library. 

In this interview, Carrie talks about the creative process -- from where ideas originate to the writing process to how an illustrator brings words to life. You'll hear how this process played out in her first two books -- Counting to Bananas and B is for Bananas. And in an exclusive sneak preview, Carrie shares how llamas will be featured character in her next book which is set to be released in 2025.

For Your Playlist: 'Bananaphone' by Raffi

In 2022, Tigard announced it was helping local first-time business owners launch their start-ups through a program called Launch Pod Business Accelerator. Harvest Moon Experience and West Coast Torta were two food-focused businesses selected to participate in the inaugural Launch Pod. 

In this episode, Joshua and Alfredo Carreon of the West Coast Torta Company talk about:

• Getting inspiration from their family and heritage
• Navigating the Launch Pod application process
• Creating a menu featuring tortas, rice bowls and house-made chips
• Visiting the food cart for the first time

You'll also hear about the response from the community since West Coast Torta opened in April 2023.

For Your Playlist: 

Since 1986, Ron Royse and John Chamberlain have organized Tigard's Old-Fashioned Fourth of July Celebration. The event features children's activities, dancing, fireworks, and live music. 

In this interview, Ron talks about:

• How the first fireworks show was almost the last one
• The role of former Mayor Tom Brian
• Tips for parking and the best seats
• Opportunities for the community and local businesses to participate

You'll also get a sneak preview of the 2023 celebration.

For Your Playlist: 'Living in America' by James Brown

Tigard-based CampsEZ was one of the participants in the 2023 Westside Pitch competition. Their goal is to give families the best platform to find and register for activities, camps, and sports all in one place. 

In this episode, CampsEZ CEO Todd Williams shares how they are streamlining the camp registration in seven different states. He also shares CampsEZ experience at Westside Pitch and what they learned about developing a short, impactful presentation. 

For Your Playlist: 'Danger Zone' by Kenny Loggins

Westside Pitch is a startup competition for Washington County entrepreneurs seeking to showcase their early-stage businesses. One of the competitors in this year's competition was Tigard-based DedWorks, a company that provides software and additive manufacturing integration components to produce special metal parts quickly and allow for better control of the systems producing the parts.

In this episode, Ed Israel from DedWorks shares an inside look at his team's preparation for the competition. He talks about every step from preparing the slidedeck to responding to questions from the judges. 

For Your Playlist: 'L.A. Woman' by The Doors

Located in Tigard, the Oregon Music Academy (OMA) provides summer music camps, workshops, private music lessons, group music classes, and large ensemble music experiences for all ages from 2-years old to 98-years old.

In this interview, OMA Director Renee Dolphin talks about:

• Current OMA classes and available scholarships
• How you can find the right instrument to start playing
• The origins of OMA and how they landed in Tigard. 

For Your Playlist: 'Stand by Me' by Ben E. King